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Colorado Creek Ranch

Overview

This 600-acre family guest ranch, nestled in its own private mountain valley, has been offering authentic western holidays for more than 70 years. With a herd of over 100 homebred and raised horses and a host of ranch facilities, all within walking distance from each other, this is the ideal ranch …

Highlights

  • Ride on trails often travelled by deer and elk
  • Lope over rolling hills of sage brush or cactus
  • Special children's programmes for various ages
  • Marvel at the majestic Colorado Rocky mountains
  • Bond with your assigned horse for your whole holiday

Essential Facts

  • 1 itinerary available
  • Max 8 riders per group
  • Average of 0 - 6 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 102 kg / 225 pounds / 16 stone 1 lb .
    more info Those weighing over this limit may be accepted, but limited to walking rides.

Description

This 600-acre family guest ranch, nestled in its own private mountain valley, has been offering authentic western holidays for more than 70 years. With a herd of over 100 homebred and raised horses and a host of ranch facilities, all within walking distance from each other, this is the ideal ranch for a true western adventure. The ranch is designed to suit adults and children alike and is recognised as an unforgettable family hotspot where guests of any age and ability can come for a dream ranch vacation.

Of course, the horse riding programme here is their speciality and is geared to every riding ability and age group. Horses are selected to match your riding skills and you can keep this assigned horse for the duration of your stay, allowing you to bond with them. Daily instruction is available, both in the arena and out on trails, and the ranch's aim is that everyone who comes will learn something from the experience, no matter how experienced they are. Advanced riders have many opportunities to explore and blaze trails whilst handling their horses from leisurely walks to smooth lopes and gallops.

In addition to the riding programme, there is a variety of other activities and these include swimming, playing horseshoes, steak fry-outs, trout fishing, western dancing, jeep trips, songfests, campfires, hayrides, carnivals, pack trips, staff entertainment, gymkhana rodeos, raft trips, children's programmes, nearby golf, hunting and much more. Children are especially well looked after with special itineraries to suit every age group (including those under 5). If you are looking for a family holiday then look no further! The family atmosphere is increased with big, family-style meals where guests share tables with each other to enjoy a hearty western meal.

Horses & Riding

Tack

Western

Horses

Mainly quarter horses but also draft and paints.

Riding

There is 1 itinerary:

  • Weekly Programmes is a based ride

Ages

No age limit.

Health

No special requirements.

Weight

102 kg / 225 pounds / 16 stone 1 lb . Those weighing over this limit may be accepted, but limited to walking rides.

Food & Accommodation

Food

At this ranch you can have all you care to eat - and nothing but the best! They take great pride in their food, which is lovingly prepared from recipes handed down for generations. Sometimes gourmet and sometimes hearty western... but always delicious. "I've never had as many healthy, hearty and delicious meals in my life," we've heard folks say.

Most meals are served family style in the dining room (with several families sharing tables together) but outdoor meals are highlights. Breakfast on a mountain top. Open hearth barbecue. Chuckwagon lunches. Sometimes, right out of your saddlebag. Each day is different.

Your hosts aim to please. Even the breads and pastries are made from scratch. But not everyone can eat like a cowboy, so let us know in advance about your special diet and they will try their darndest to accommodate your needs.

Accommodation

Accommodation is in guest rooms in the main lodge or in the guest cabins. Rooms are snug, comfortable and typically western styled, all remodelled and refurbished but still reminiscent of the real ranch lifestyle of days gone by. They have a historical cabin essence. There is a variety of cabins with one, two, three or four bedrooms. Several are ideal for larger families and groups of friends wanting to be near one another.

The accommodation is cleaned everyday and all cabins have coffee-makers (some also have refrigerators but not all).

The main lodge house has a communal living area where you can meet and socialise with other guests. Its doors are always open!

Itineraries

Weekly Programmes Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

There are opportunities for a variety of mini-adventures that complement the ranch vacation experience. The ranch has programmes for children from infants to teenagers with plenty of activities for parents and grandparents alike. Singles and couples are welcome also.

There is a complete programme of horseback riding, swimming, horseshoes, steak fries, trout fishing, western dancing, jeep trips, song fests, campfires, hayrides, carnival, pack trips, staff entertainment, gymkhana, rodeos, guided hiking, mountain biking, raft trips, children's programmes, nearby golf, hunting and much more - but it is your holiday and you may do as much or as little as you like.

The ranch staff make their own evening entertainment such as campfire sing-a-longs, country dancing, old fashioned melodramas, carnival night and more.

Apart from the ranch based activities, other attractions in the area include the Rocky Mountain National Park (25 miles away), four local golf courses, a Winter Park Ski area (with an Alpine slide, miniature golf and mountain bike trails), local Saturday night rodeos, a narrow gauge railroad, hiking and mountain climbing, and, of course, shopping in the nearby stores.

There are boutiques and outlet malls for western wear, antiques, souvenirs and more.

Travel

Fly from the the UK to Denver, Colorado. All major rental car companies are available in Denver and this is recommended as the best way to get from the airport to the ranch. There is also a possible taxi service (please contact us for suggested providers) or you can travel via Amtrak which stops in nearby Granby.

Testimonials

Helen F., Sept. 20, 2023

I felt I was matched very well with my horse. I felt secure and safe while riding. My riding ability was monitored and tips and instructions were given to all riders if requested or needed. All tack was cared for. Very experienced wranglers who demonstrated knowledge of our horses and the landscape so as to provide us with a safe ride. The accommodations were clean and comfortable. The food was great. I ate very well. I wish I had something to suggest (to improve) but I can’t. I would recommend the ranch to anyone looking for a mountain riding experience.


Simon W., Sept. 5, 2017

Excellent. The location, staff and organisation was superb throughout. (Favourite memory?) The freedom my 11-year-old daughter enjoyed, quickly making friends with other children and being so well entertained by the ranch staff.


Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1 - Sunday: Arrival

Riding: No riding.

Arrive after 3pm and relax in your surroundings before dinner.

Days 2 to 6

Riding: No riding.

A flexible riding programme to suit all ages (inc. children under 5) and abilities. Guests can do as much or as little as they like, taking instruction in the arena or out on the trails, or simply enjoying the fabulous rides out. Daily rides are scheduled by age group and riding ability so that guests can make the most of these great riding opportunities. You ride on trails often travelled by deer and elk, each turn different, and can wind through the native aspen. Lope over rolling hills of sage brush and cactus or meander across lush meadows ablaze with wildflowers. You'll be surrounded by the endless vistas of the majestic Colorado Rockies, a simply spectacular sight. 

A suitable horse is assigned to you for the duration of your stay and the large selection of homebred horses means that riders of every level, including the very experienced, will be satisfied with their selected mount. The professional wrangler-led rides are designed to meet your every expectation. 

For Children: 

The Rangerider programme for the 6 to 13 year olds is built around an instruction-based horseback riding programme where they practise skills in the arena before setting out to the backcountry on their morning and afternoon trail rides. These young riders work up to loping and tackling all day rides as their abilities improve. Before and after the rides the counsellors have other group activities planned, such as an obstacle course, horse brushing, swimming, hiking, lassoing a steer head, and other group activities.

The Buckaroo programme is for the little children aged 5 and under and is the perfect way for parents to be able to enjoy their holiday. These young children are taken care of by the counsellors whilst their parents are taking part in the ranch activities. Their activities include horseback rides around the ranch, games, crafts, and picnic hikes. The counsellors can take care of any individual needs like naps, baby feeding, etc. Since the ranch is heavily family orientated, families eat meals together, parents can partake in any of the children's programmes and riding, and the evening entertainment is also family orientated.

Counsellors and programme supervisors are college students selected for their experience, attentiveness and interests in child development and recreation. All staff are personally selected for their friendliness, enthusiasm, personality, talent and a sincere desire to please. They participate in all activities and create much of the entertainment.

Day 7 - Saturday: Departure

Riding: No riding.

Depart after breakfast

Accommodation

Each night will be spent in a comfortable western style lodge room or private cabin, with own bathrooms.

Experience Beginner / Intermediate / Experienced

All riding abilities can be accommodated and are welcome at the ranch. Daily riding lessons are available for those who wish to polish their skills.

Minimum group size 1
Maximum group size 8
Departure windows

At any time during: June 2, 2024 - Sept. 14, 2024  (Dates available to suit, with arrival on Sunday and departures on Saturday)

Pricing

2024
Adults (aged 18 and over); Sharing
£2405 $3035 €2815
2024
Teen (aged 13 - 17 years); Sharing
£2240 $2825 €2625
2024
Children (aged 6 -12 years); Sharing
£1990 $2515 €2335
2024
Children (aged 2-5 years); Sharing
£1330 $1680 €1560
Included Accommodation (cabins or lodge guest rooms), all meals, your personal horse for the week, children's supervised programme, fishing, use of heated pool and hot tub, all ranch based activities (hay rides, dancing, river float trip, carnival, staff shows, campfires, singalongs etc), State Sales Tax, Grand County Lodging tax.
Not included Flights, transfers, off ranch activities (zip lining, golf, guided fly fishing, massages etc), travel insurance, staff gratuities (recommended 12-18%) & other personal expenses.

Extras

2024 - Non-Rider Discount Non-Riders deduct USD $500 weekly
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.